optionMONSTER's tracking programs detected the purchase of about 1,200 March 24 puts for $1.15 and a similar number of March 24 calls for $0.85. That translates into a cost of $2.

Known as a straddle, the trade is designed to profit from increased movement in the Virginia-based pork producer. It will also make money if implied volatility increases, which would drive up the value of the options.

That appears to be the rationale behind the strategy because SFD reported third-quarter results on March 8 last year. While the company hasn't yet announced its earnings date for this year, it will probably be around the same time. Traders often buy straddles and strangles before such events, betting that option premiums will rise. (See our Education section)

SFD fell 1.27 percent to $23.39 yesterday but is up 25 more than 25 percent in the last six months. It's now back to a potential resistance level from February 2012, which could be leading some chart watchers to expect a sharp pullback or an explosion higher. Both outcomes would favor the long straddle.

The other Greeks (Gamma, Vega, and Theta) are calculated by using month and strike data, and not by individual option. These are called strike-based Greeks. Gamma, Theta, and Vega are all strike-based Greeks

optionMONSTER® provides stock market insight, advanced options education, and actionable trade ideas to meet the needs of do-it-yourself investors. After spending decades in the trading pits of Chicago, Jon 'DRJ' and Pete Najarian founded the company in 2005 to help people better manage their own investment portfolios.